Preservative And Sodium Citrate
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What it is
Sodium citrate is the sodium salt of citric acid. It is a white powder that is soluble in water. It can be produced by the neutralization of citric acid with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate.
Why it's used
Sodium citrate is often used as a preservative and to add a sour or salty taste. It is also used to control acidity in foods and to help emulsify fats. You can find it in processed cheeses, baked goods, and beverages.
Health notes
In the U.S., sodium citrate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used for food. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have also evaluated it. It is not known to cause adverse health effects at the levels typically found in food. Some people may experience mild digestive upset if they consume very large amounts.
Allergen info
Sodium citrate is not a major allergen and does not contain gluten.